Replies to initial written questions raised by Finance Committee Members in examining the Estimates of Expenditure 2012-13 Director of Bureau : Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Session No. 12 File name : cedb(cit)- doc
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- Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2012-13
Question : During festival holidays in the past, quite a number of visitors called my office for official help after encountering accidents/unpleasant incidents at tourist spots/theme parks. However, they (especially those who had tried but could not contact the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong (TIC)) were unable to get into touch with any officers of the Tourism Commission (TC). In view of the above complaints from visitors and inadequate government service, has the TC, as the monitoring agency of the TIC, earmarked manpower resources for improvement? If yes, what are the details of the plan? If not, will the Administration proceed to explore the implementation of shift arrangements on holiday? Asked by : Hon. TSE Wai-chun, Paul Reply : In general, inbound travellers who encounter emergency situations and wish to seek urgent assistance may contact the Hong Kong Police Force (Police) or related frontline agencies. Depending on the nature of the cases, the Police or related frontline agencies will provide necessary assistance or refer the cases to other departments or relevant organisations for follow up. During special festive periods with peak visitor arrivals, e.g. the Golden Weeks, the Tourism Commission (TC) and relevant tourism organisations will carry out publicity work to remind travellers of the points to note when they visit Hong Kong. Enquiry hotlines of the relevant tourism organisations will also be provided on publicity materials for travellers to contact them when necessary. Furthermore, there is a 24-hour notification mechanism among the TC, related government departments and relevant organisations in dealing with emergency situations involving inbound travellers. In case the emergency situations involving inbound travellers cannot be resolved by the frontline agencies for various reasons, regardless of whether they occur during or outside office hours, the frontline agencies will notify the TC and the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong promptly to facilitate follow up actions. The mechanism has been operating smoothly. The TC, with existing manpower resources, will continue to work closely with relevant government departments and organisations to ensure proper handling of emergency situations involving inbound travellers.
Question : Please give a detailed breakdown on the expenditures and anticipated completion dates of each of the projects for providing additional and enhanced tourism facilities at various tourist hot spots such as Aberdeen, Lei Yue Mun, footbridges in Tsim Sha Tsui East and Tsim Sha Tsui in 2012-13. Is there any policy to prevent the above enhancement projects and new facilities from being too artificial and spoiling the original local landscape? Please also advise on the officials and departments responsible for the above projects. Asked by : Hon. TSE Wai-chun, Paul Reply : Details of improvement works carried by the Administration at various tourist attractions in 2012-13 are as follows: (i) Aberdeen Tourism Project The project scope includes carrying out the improvement works for the promenade on both sides of the Aberdeen Harbour as well as Ap Lei Chau Main Street and adjacent streets, with the theme of a traditional fishermen’s village. Works commenced in end September 2011 for completion in phases commencing from 2012 to 2014. The estimated expenditure in 2012-13 is $124.8 million. (ii) Lei Yue Mun Waterfront Enhancement Project The scope of works includes the construction of a public landing facility, a breakwater, a waterfront promenade and a new viewing terrace, as well as other streetscape improvements along the Lei Yue Mun waterfront. The relevant works department is working on the required statutory procedures for gazettal of the project works under the Foreshore and Seabed (Reclamations) Ordinance, during which we received public views concerning the sewerage problem in Lei Yue Mun. To meet the concerns, the relevant department has already engaged a consultant to explore possible interim and long term measures for improvement of the sewerage handling facilities in the area. The consultant plans to consult the local community in the first quarter of this year. Subject to the completion of the statutory procedures and funding approval by the Finance Committee, the enhancement project is expected to commence earliest in end 2012 for phased completion from end 2013 onwards. The estimated expenditure in 2012-13 is $6.36 million. (iii) Enhancement of Footbridges in Tsim Sha Tsui East The project aims to enhance the two existing footbridges across Mody Road and Salisbury Road in Tsim Sha Tsui East including refurbishment of the footbridges, replacement of the existing ramps with lifts, and associated works such as re-paving of footpaths. The Highways Department is keeping a close eye on the works. According to current progress, the works are expected to complete by end 2012. The estimated expenditure in 2012-13 is $29.376 million. (iv) Development of a Tourism Node in Tsim Sha Tsui The Administration originally proposed to develop an open piazza at the harbourfront area adjacent to the Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) Star Ferry Pier, and to construct an adjacent turnaround which could accommodate a number of bus stops and a taxi stand. The works for the turnaround were gazetted in 2009 and 2010. Taking into account the public views received, the Administration has revisited the way forward for the piazza project, and proposes to adopt a new design concept that will integrate the piazza with the revitalisation of the TST Star Ferry Pier, so that the vicinity can be developed into a tourism node. Under the new design concept, we propose to expand the turnaround being planned into a new public transport interchange. The works for the expansion of the turnaround were gazetted in September 2011. We are following up with the views collected during the period of gazettal according to the statutory procedures, and are working on the design for the tourism node. When a more concrete design proposal is available, we will consult the relevant organizations and stakeholders. The project is still at the planning stage, and hence no expenditure will be incurred in 2012-13. In planning for the development of new attractions and improvement of existing attractions, we typically draw up detailed plans and proposals. In particular, we will take into account the special features and unique characteristics of individual attractions, such as the natural landscape, local culture, the presence of any landmarks and buildings with preservation value, and the related historic background of the site, etc., with a view to preserving and making the best use of these natural and existing features in the conceptual design, and avoiding artificial elements as far as possible. The Tourism Commission is responsible for co-ordinating the implementation of the above improvement projects for tourist attractions, whereas relevant works departments including the Civil Engineering and Development Department, Architectural Services Department, and Highways Department etc. are responsible for the project works.
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